Locally Engaged Engineering

What types of projects do you like to see coming across your desk?
Bony Dawood: I look forward to international work. My father did a lot of work in this area, and, like him, I really enjoy being involved in it. We see opportunities on this level, and there is a lot of potential for Dawood Engineering to become involved in these markets over the next 10 or 20 years. We have already had introductions made for us through our contacts to the international market. We may also be able to partner with larger firms or possibly add new services to our own offerings.

What would you consider one of the firm’s more exemplary projects?
BD: We have some large-scale projects we’ve worked on in the private sector—and high-profile infrastructure projects we’ve worked in various parts of the state. One that stands out was the Harrisburg National Airport expansion. We worked with a number of firms, and we were involved in various aspects of the expansion, including the runways, the new terminal, and a multimodal facility. We were part of a larger team, but it was a very exciting project. It’s nice to look back on that project because of all the people it affects on a daily basis.

Can you talk about the work you’ve been doing on this courthouse project?
BD: We have been involved in this project for a number of years. They have been doing various site-selection processes, and over the last six months they have identified the location. For this project, we are part of a larger team based out of New York City that is handling the architectural design of the new courthouse in Harrisburg. It is going to be a LEED-certified facility, which has been a huge part of the project. This is being handled by a team that brings a wide variety of expertise to the process.

I understand a lot has been happening with shale gas in your sector, too?
BD: It has been a very strong market for us. It’s right at our front door. The areas around Pennsylvania and West Virginia have been getting a lot of national attention for shale gas and Marcellus gas. These developments are one of the reasons we opened an office in Canton, Ohio.

We want to be part of something we feel is good for the future. It’s clean energy, it may reduce energy costs, it is promising for industrial growth, and there is a lot of landowner wealth being created in these areas. This area of energy is highly scrutinized, and we work closely with these companies to help them stay environmentally sound.

You are a member of the local hospital board and have done other work for the community. How important is community involvement in the context of your work?
BD: Much of the work we do is site-civil and happens in a physical environment like roads, bridges, and traffic—and for this type of work, it is important to be involved in the local community. We strive to maintain communication with the municipalities that are in our region. Being integral in the community helps us better understand the problems of each community, which allows us to utilize our services in an active way. It is important for us to find local staff that knows these communities and the challenges these communities face.

In this context, what are some ways you use your work to foster new client relationships?
BD: The relationships we maintain with our clients—and the quality of work we do for them—have been an integral part of our growth. We have some clients who have been with us for almost 20 years. After we get exposure or introduction to new clients, we have a very strong track record of obtaining market share. We have done this in various sectors—such as the energy sector. We started working with an energy client about a year and a half ago, and since that time, they have extended our reach into three different states, and now they’re one of our largest clients. This is in a very competitive market, too. Ultimately, it’s a matter of developing relationships, building trust, becoming a go-to firm, and really listening to your client. ABQ